12 days of Christmas fun

Erika and Riley decided to do the 12 days of Christmas to one of their friends. Erika decided to do Caitie and Riley decided to do Landon. These are some of their best friends. So on December the 12th is when we start and each night we leave a different gift that goes along with the song. Below are all the poems for each day and the little gift we put with them. We did it at night when the kids couldn't been seen as well. A couple of nights they almost were caught and one night we got stuck in our van with all the snow we had that day. For the 1st time, Erika & Riley received treats back on the 11th & 12th day. The items were waiting at the door when they went to leave the gifts for that night.









(Most of the ideas came from a website. It is http://pie.midco.net/grammalowe/12days.html)

"The Twelve Days of Christmas is the song that we sing,
But it won’t get so boring with treats that we bring.
December 13th is when we will start,
Each one will come with love from our heart.
Each night we’ll bring something
Please don’t watch for us coming.
If you catch us too soon, it’ll spoil the fun, this is true.
It’s our way of wishing Merry Christmas to you!!"

1st Day - A can of pears with this saying.

"Now in the song, it’s partridge and pear-
When we looked, our trees were all bare!
So we ran to the store at a hurried pace.
PEARS they had plenty, but no birds in the place!"

2nd Day - Turtle & Dove Chocolate Candy Bars

Did you know Two Turtledoves
Are extremely hard to find?
So here are "Turtle 'n Dove" --

The chocolate candy kind."

3rd Day - 3 pens, Red, White & Blue (for French flag)

"We did get French hens,
But then hungry we got.
So we ended up cooking them in a great big pot
So three fine pens will have to do,
In France’s colors of RED, WHITE and BLUE."

4th Day - Chapstick

When four calling birds cackle
Their mouths get all dry
Their lips start to crackle
So give this a try!

5th Day - Can of Sliced Pineapple Rings

Only Five Golden Rings?
There really are more
Of golden pineapple rings
We got from the store!

6th Day - 1/2 dozen Real eggs in Carton
"Six geese a laying
*Sigh* We’re back to those birds!
We tried stealing their eggs
But their cries could be heard
So we gave up and went to the store
These eggs won’t hatch
But don’t drop them on the floor!"

7th Day - Sparkling Water or Bottled Water
"The swans were still swimming in water so clear
It sparkled and shimmered, we shed not a tear
Instead we felt thirsty, a drink would be nice
We sent sparkling water, now you add the ice!"

8th Day - Milk Duds Candy in a Box
"The Maids were all milking

Milk foaming like suds

And then they all vanished--

Just leaving "Milk Duds."

9th Day - Foot Bath Salts
"Nine ladies dancing,
They danced all night long,
But when they looked down
Something was wrong,
From dancing all night
They had aching feet,
So here’s some bath salts
To give your toes a treat."

10th Day - Toy Frogs in a Jar with lid
"Ten lords a leaping,
Wonder if they could reach the stars
They jumped higher than these frogs
That we caught in some jars
Some people think frogs
Are princes in disquise,
So maybe the lords were protecting them
As they leapt for the skies"

11th Day - Bubbles with Pipe
"Eleven pipers were piping
What a wonderful sight,
‘Cause they blew bubbles
And watched them take flight.
So here are some bubbles and a pipe just for you.
So you can join in and have lots of fun, too."

12th Day - Ice Cream Drumsticks - 4 in a box

"Twelve drummers drumming
Each on their own drum
That’s the end of the song – Wasn’t it fun?
Here are the drumsticks, there are more than two
It’s for wishing Merry Christmas from us to you."

Gift Exchange with McGriff Family

Our family and the McGriff family have exchanged gifts for the past 5 years. Last night they invited us over for Dinner (Chicken Noodle Soup, Rolls & Cheesecake). After dinner they gave a short but sweet Family Home Evening lesson and then we exchanged gifts.

First, Brian. Two Beaker T-shirts. You have to be there when Brian does his Beaker impersonation. The McGriff's found a picture and then transferred it to T-shirts. We all had a good laugh. Next, was Sharri. A Headband, Bath & Body socks and twisted peppermint hand soap.

Then it was Cameron's Turn. A fluffy steering wheel cover, just in time for Winter. Next, was Erika. Earrings, Bath & Body Socks & a flower for her hair. And Last, was Riley. A tie-dyed T-shirt and a big roll of Duct Tape. If you didn't see the blog about Riley making Duct tape things, just look back a couple of months.

In return, we gave them the following items.

Dave McGriff (Dad) - Thermometer Hide a key

Nancy McGriff (Mom) - Pedegg (for her feet)

Nathan McGriff (Cam's buddy) - $10 Blackjack Pizza Gift Certificate (Nate loves PIZZA)

Heather McGriff (Erika's buddy) - Microwave French Fry maker

Sara McGriff - (Riley's buddy) - The card game "Blink"

We hope to carry on this tradition in the years to come. Thanks McGriff's.

8" of SNOW in Provo!!

All day today, it snowed in Provo. Big flakes and it was really good packing snow. Riley and Erika enjoyed playing and building stuff in it with their friends. This is unusal for Provo. Usually Salt Lake (Sandy, where the kids Grandparents live) get hit the worst, because of the lake effect. But today, Provo and Utah County received it all and Salt Lake had nothing. We also got stuck in our Van in one of the neighborhoods just west of our house. The kids had to push and push until we were able to get unstuck. CRAZZZZZY WEATHER!!!!!

Sitting on Santa's lap

The kids were able to sit on Santa's lap for the 2nd time on Thursday night. The Brown Family were able to have all the cousin's over to visit with Santa. There were 17 kids there and 9 adults. Pretty crazy in a small house. Cameron is bigger than Santa, but he still was willing to participate. This has been a tradition over the years with the Evans family. Thanks to the kids Grandparents who host it.

PHS Fine Arts Concert

Provo High School performed a Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 17. Erika's philharmonic Orchestra performed 3 numbers. Also, the Band and Choir performed 3 numbers each. This was a two hour concert and well worth it. Although, we had to wait an hour after the concert for the Yearbook pictures to be taken. We were home at 10:30 pm, on a school night even. We have been busy with many activities for the kids this week.

Ward Christmas Party!!

Our annual Ward Christmas Party was great. With Turkey, Ham, potatoes, stuffing, rolls and many many desserts. Thanks to our neighbor, Nancy, who is the activities chair. After a nice dinner, many ward members put on the Nativity Story. Brian was one of the Wise men and sang, "We three Kings." Erika and the Young Women were the Angels and sang, "Angels we have heard on High." Then Santa came while some ward members shared their talents. We all helped with the clean-up. (which took quite a while).

Sharri's Doll Cakes

These are the latest creations of doll Cakes. Sharri has made them for years with her mom, but recently, she has made 3 in the past month. One for a co-worker, who had the same birthday as her. And the other two for co-workers daughters. The last one, she was asked to make wings for a Fairy birthday theme. She wasn't sure exactly how to do that, but with the help of Independence High School Art Teacher, Jamie, we were able to put wings on it. It turned out really cool. Jamie, the Art teacher, told Sharri that she should start a portfolio of cakes that she has made. We couldn't count how many cakes over the years her mom and her have made. (probably over 50 or more). She hasn't been charging for her time, just the materials. These cakes can range over $25 each by professional cake decorators. It is more fun to give them to someone who is not expecting it. It is mostly one of those fun hobbies that she does.

Erika Violin Recital

Erika performed in a Violin Recital with other students of her Private Teacher, Bonnie Wilson. She played the Kanon, Silent Night, Oh Come all ye Faithful and Concert #2. Her grandparents and family were there in attendance. It was at the LDS Church Relief Society room by her Private teacher home in East Provo. She has accomplished many pieces over the 6 years. She plays in tune and can easily site read any piece. This is a great talent of hers. We hope that she will continue with her talent as an accomplished Violinist. Great Job Erika!!

Riley Science Project

Riley was required by his 6th grade teacher to do a science project. He first was going to grow mold on bread with different liquids, but the bread he used had preservatives in it, so it never grew mold. (Note to self: DONT USE BREAD WITH PRESERVATIVES IN IT!!!) So he had to change his project the week before it was due. He then decided to try different liquids to clean a penny. He chose water, milk and A1 steak sauce. Believe it or not the A1 wins, because of the tomatoes and vinegar and other stuff we won't mention in it. On Monday, he had to have his poster done with his question, hypothesis and the results on it and sit by it while the whole school and parents came by and looked at his project and he had to explain what he did. At Westridge Elementary, this was not required, but optional. But now he is at Lakeview Elementary, it was required. His parents have now done 5 science projects over the course of Cameron, Erika and now Riley in school. We have 2 more science projects to go in 7th and 8th grade, so watch for it next year.

Utah Valley Symphony & PHS Choirs

Brian, Sharri and Erika attended the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday night. The PHS Choirs joined them in the concert. Some of our neighbors that were in the PHS Choir, were Claire, Jensenne and Heather. Also, Erika's violin teacher, Bonnie Wilson was in the symphony. We enjoyed this concert with many Christmas songs by the symphony and the Choir.

Eeek!! A Big Spider

Last Saturday, Erika and Sharri decided to clean out the washroom to make room for a new treadmill. As we were cleaning, we found this spider. We were hoping it was plastic or dead, and it was plastic. We laughed about it and then Erika threw it down the hall. About 10 minutes later, we heard Cameron make this loud scream and said "HOLY COW, THATS A BIG SPIDER!!" When Erika threw it down the hall, it landed right in front of the bathroom right side up. When walked into the bathroom, he didn't see it when he went in, but when he opened the door coming out, that is when he saw it and screamed. It was startling at first, but then we all laughed about it and told him it was fake. He had better hope to go somewhere on his mission where there aren't any BIG BUGS!

Riley & Brian golfing

Brian and Riley decided to go golfing yesterday afternoon at East Bay Golf Course in Provo. They went with our neighbor, Rob Autrey. This has become the new thing for Riley. Riley has become interested in golfing and especially going with the guys this last summer. Riley will try any kind of sport. He loves them all. He now has a new name in the family "the all around sportsman." If we can't find him, he is usually outside doing some kind of sport. From Soccer to Tennis, to Basketball to Football, to Frisbee to Rollerblading, to Golfing to who knows what it next (probably Skiing or Snowboarding). Last summer we caught him launching golf balls over the neighbors fence on Sunday (of all days). We then decided that he needed his own set of clubs and NERF golf balls. He took a 3 day golf training through BYU Jr. Golf Club and has been golfing with Brian since. Maybe someday he will be Famous and win some kind of Golf Tournament.

Silly Riley

Riley had some latex gloves to use to peel of the black shells of some walnuts. After dinner the other night, he decided that he was going to be like his dad, and try it on his head. Brian helped him with it and the gloves were a little bit tight, as you can see in the picture. He was laughing so hard that he couldn't breath out with his nose to inflate the glove on his head. Brian does a better impression of this, especially when we are visiting someone in the hospital. The last time this happened was when Grandma Holly was in the hospital, and we were all rolling on the floor laughing. I guess that Riley thought it was so funny, that he would try it for himself.

Kids Picture 2008

And here is the picture of the kids taken the same night as the family picture. We kind of all like the black and white version.
Cameron (18y), Erika (16y) and Riley (11y)

2008 Family Picture

Our ward had a fundraiser for Girls camp to have Family Pictures taken. This is our picture from that event. It is hard to believe that our family is getting so old. The kids were just little the other day. Just thought we would share them with you all. Enjoy!! (picture taken Nov 11, 2008)

Celine Dion Concert Postponed

SALT LAKE CITY CONCERT POSTPONED

The promoter of Celine Dion's Taking Chances World Tour, has rescheduled the artist's November concerts in Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City and San Jose, while Celine recuperates from a recurrent naso-pharyngeal infection which was further complicated by inflamed vocal chords. Her physician has instructed her to refrain from singing in order to completely recover.
The concert has been rescheduled for the following date:
Salt Lake City- Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sharri & Erika had tickets for this Friday's concert. Brian purchased them for Sharri's birthday and now we have to wait until Feb. We had good seats too, Row 13. I can return the tickets and take a $100 loss, or keep them and go to the concert on Sunday in Feb 2009. A co-worker told Sharri, that Heavenly Father would understand if we went on Sunday. The music is not bad for Sunday. We often watch TV on Sunday evenings and listen to music just like we were at a concert. What do you think we should do?

Provo High School Play

Our Family decided to be entertained for Family Home Evening and go and see the PHS Play. They were putting on "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." It was enjoyable, even though it was hard to hear some of the parts clearly. Riley was glued to it the whole time. Erika's friend, Rachel was in it and one of the backup dancers. The whole cast did a great job and it was funny too. The price was right for our family to support PHS. If you haven't seen this play, I suggest you rent it or check it out at the library. It is a good family play. If only we could of seen the one with Donny Osmond in it. That would have been spectacular, but what do you expect for $5 a ticket.

Erika & Friends

Erika had one of her friends, Shannon, come and visit over the weekend. Shannon moved to Logan in August with her family. After Shannon called to tell Erika she was coming to Provo, the 4 girls planned to have a Slumber Party together. They watched movies, laughed and talked most of Friday night. On Saturday, they went to lunch at Subway and then to PHS Play "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" that Rachel was in. They were sad when Shannon's mom came to pick her up at 5:00 pm, but they had a great time together. They are planning to do it again for Shannon's birthday in May.

(pictured: Shannon, Rachel, Erika and Heather)

Riley Tenderfoot

Riley received his Tenderfoot advancement in Boy Scouts at a Court of Honor tonight. He has been working hard in New Scouts. His scout leader, Bro. Sanford, is presenting his award to him in the picture. Riley has almost earned his Second Class. He will be turning 12 years old in March 2009. His goal is to be First Class rank by then. We are so proud of him. We hope that he continues with the excitement of Boy Scouts and gets his Eagle soon. (Not like his Brother at age 18). Way to go Riley!!!

Lakeside 7th YW "Popular"

Our Stake had a musical "One night on Broadway". Each ward was to provide 3 musical numbers. Erika and some young women decided to perform "Popular" from the musical "Wicked". The other young women that performed are, Claire Ferrin, Jensenne Harris, Amanda Autrey, Heather McGriff, Sarah Autrey, Sara McGriff. They are accompanied by Thomas Ferrin. The video below is their performance. Erika doesn't sing much, but she is part of the group. We all enjoyed watching them do this number for us. Great job Young Women!

Happy Birthday Sharri

Today is Sharri's birthday. She was born in 1966, so you figure out how old she is. Some of her favorite things are the color purple, crafts, Celine Dion and taking pictures. She was reminded yesterday, that on her 18th birthday, she was able to vote for the 1st time for the US President, on her birthday. She loves to be with family and friends. She will be going to the Celine Dion concert on Nov 21st for one of her Bday gifts. She currently works at Independence High School as the registrar. She loves working with the students and the great staff. Have a great Birthday today!!

Happy Halloween!!

If you couldn't tell, Riley is Speed Racer for Halloween. Also, Sharri had to dress up for work as well. She is an Angel. Erika and Cameron didn't dress up, because they feel they are too old to Trick or Treat. Although, Erika still carved pumpkins with Riley. She did the pumpkin with Dora on it. The other pumpkin is what Riley carved. It is his own creation, so we are not sure what he carved a picture of. Brian is still in London and comes home tomorrow, Nov 1st. We had to have Halloween without him. I am sure that he feels really bad about that too. The video below is at Riley's school Parade. Remember to click off the playlist music before you play it.

Erika Philharmonic Orchestra Concert

Erika performed with the Provo High School Philharmonic Orchestra Thursday night ,October 23rd @ 7:30 pm. They played 6 songs. This is her 6th year playing the violin. (2 years at Westridge Elementary, 2 years at Dixon Middle and so far 2 years at Provo High). She is in the 2nd Violins, 3rd Chair. The picture to the right is her friend, Caitie Ostler, who plays in the orchestra with her. Notice that they are both wearing black. Formal black attire is required for Advanced Orchestra groups. Her favoirte violinist is Jenny Oaks Baker, a famous LDS Violinist. Erika has become a great violin player and her Private Teacher, Bonnie Wilson, loves how well she can site read anything and just play it. If you ever get a chance to listen to Erika play, you are one of the few. She usually doesn't like to play in front of people by herself, or with her friend. But, if you ask her, she will do it because she loves to play the violin. She will be going on tour with the Philharmonic Orchestra to San Francisco in February 2009 for a week. How much do you think it costs to own a violin, take private lessons, go on tour and be part of a community orchestra for the last 6 years? Do we love her or what? The video below is the last song that they played called "Choreography III Allegro Animato by Norman Dello Joio." You will noticed that you can't see Erika, because she is in the back. After they stood up, that is when you can see her. Enjoy!!

Norway & England for Brian

Brian left to travel for work to Norway for a week and then England for a week. He will be gone from Oct 18 - Nov 1. It is going to be a long two weeks for the family and him. He used to be excited to go and travel, but he has done it for 15 years for his job, and it is getting old. It is hard not to go, because of the extra bonuses and the frequent flyer miles. He had a 5 hour flight from Salt Lake City to Newark, New Jersey, and then a 8 hour flight from Newark to Oslo, Norway. And then coming back he flys 10 hours from London, England to Houston, Texas, and then 3 hours from Houston to Salt Lake City. The family will miss him greatly, but we know that he is doing good things for his company.

Daddy Daughter Date

Erika and her dad went to a Daddy Daughter Date for YW activity. The played a famous Father and Daughter matching game and then they had to write down answers to the following questions about each other.

1. What is your dad's favorite sport?

Erika answer: Football

Brian answer: Golf

2. What is your dad's favorite color?

Erika answer: Blue

Brian answer: Blue

3. What is your dad's shoe size?

Erika answer: 11

Brian answer: 11

4. How much does your dad talk/text on the phone?

A)Always B)Sometimes C)Very little D) Never

Erika answer: Very little

Brian answer: Sometimes

5. What High School did your dad go to?

Erika answer: Jordan HS

Brian answer: Jordan HS

6. What food does your daughter hate?

Brian answer: Fish

Erika answer: Spicy Chicken

7. Who is your daughter's favorite singer or group?

Brian answer: Celine Dion

Erika answer: Jenny Oaks Baker

8. What is your daughters favorite TV show?

Brian answer: Dancing with the Stars

Erika answer: Dancing with the Stars

9. How often do you tease your daughter?

A) All the time B) Quite a bit C) Little bit D)Never

Brian answer: Quite a bit

Erika answer: All the time

10. What is your daughters favorite fruit?

Brian answer: Strawberries

Erika answer: Strawberries

Afterwards they were each given a picture with their dad and some secret questions that they wrote down about each other earlier in the week. They had alot of fun with 12 other YW and their dads. Great Refreshments too!!!

Riley New Scout Troop Hike

Riley was able to go on a hike with his new scout troop on Saturday, Oct 4th. They hiked up Rock Canyon Trail from 8 am to 12 pm and then stopped and ate their sack lunches. Bro. Sanford is his Troop leader. The other boys in his troop are Bryan Ryan, Random Tolman and Garrett Gorski. It was a nice day, not to hot and not to cold. They are planning a overnight campout on Friday, October 24th. Riley loves the outdoors and usually can't wait for the next campout or outing. He is working on his Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class Advancement all at once. He will be 12 years old in March 2009 and hope to have those Advancements earned by then.

Best Buddies - Erika & Taylor

Erika and Taylor are best buddies (cousins). When the family gets together, Erika can't wait to see Taylor. Although, it takes Taylor a little while to warm up to Erika, she does enjoy playing with Erika. Recently, Erika decided to clean out her room and give away some of her toys and clothes. She gave Taylor her Strawberry Shortcake Fleece blanket. Taylor loves it and won't go any where without it. Erika is always asking Aunt Jenn, "When can I babysit Taylor?" It is so fun to watch them play and interact with each other, even though there is a 13 year difference in age. They even have their birthdays in September. They are so cute together and for the first time, we were able to get a picture of the two of them and Taylor smiling. (she usually won't smile for pictures!!!) Erika can't wait for Addison and Payton to get older, so she can play with them too! Aren't they the cutest cousins?

Riley's creation

Riley has this passion about making things out of paper, glue, tape, duct tape, straws, paper plates, scissors & paper cups. This is his latest creation, A HOUSE with a backyard. He has this idea in his head and then does it for many, many, many hours. We can never find scissors, tape or paper when we need it, because he has used it all up. The last creation was a slide out of paper and tape for his marbel to go down. He will probably be an engineer or a scientist of some kind, because of these creations he comes up with at the spur of the moment. Sometimes we wonder if he is just board and wants to use up all the paper and tape to spite us.